Treatment program page 2

Your Treatment Program at Carolina Radiation Medicine
Cancer Treatment Center -- Page 2

The medical physicist and radiation oncologist meet frequently to review 3-dimensional computer reconstructions of CT scans which are specifically obtained for the purpose of establishing the most sophisticated method available for ensuring that a patient's tumor is accurately targeted by the radiation beam.

3-dimensional reconstructions of the CT images of a patient undergoing planning for treatment of prostate cancer. The sophisticated computerized treatment planning system allows for the patient's anatomy and the tumor to be viewed from ANY direction. The direction of the cancer curing radiation beam can, therefore, be accurately directed to ensure that normal structures can be excluded from the radiation beam, while allowing for higher doses of radiation being delivered to the cancer.

Dr. Nelson The medical physicist completes the 3-dimensional treatment plan, after having reviewed the information with the radiation oncologist. This may require several hours of work in the most highly complex situations.

Simulation of patient After all medical information has been reviewed, and the computer plan completed, the "simulation" procedure is performed. This is essentially "a dry run" during which the specific angles needed to deliver the radiation safely, and accurate localization of the tumor (target) is accomplished.

At the time of simulation the radiation oncologist carefully reviews the computerized treatment plan, X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans, and designs complex shielding blocks which are fabricated for every patient. These "custom blocks" are used only for that specific patient's radiation treatment.

The actual radiation treatment is delivered by one of the most technologically advanced pieces of equipment available anywhere in the world. This linear accelerator is capable of producing multiple types of radiation beams. Each type of beam has different applications depending upon the location of the tumor in the patient. The treatment is painless, and is accomplished in only a few minutes.

A certified radiation therapist (RTT) loads the computerized treatment data planned by the radiation oncologist and physicist into the computer which controls the linear accelerator. The computer system both "records and verifies" the entire treatment. If ALL of the treatment set up parameters are not correctly established, the computer will now allow the radiation beam to be delivered. This safety feature is only one of the quality assurance features utilized at the center. At all times the individual is directly monitored and observed by the RTT who utilizes multiple video and audio monitors.

The radiation oncologist will examine and review your case at appropriate intervals after your treatments are completed. Periodically, specific blood tests, X-rays and CT or MRI scans will be obtained to evaluate each patient. The specific tests and frequency of visits depend upon each individual's situation.

In most cases the goal of the radiation therapy is to cure you of your cancer. In some situations the goal is to relieve specific troublesome symptoms, which may be caused by a particular tumor. In all situations, however, the commitment of the radiation oncologist, and the entire staff at Carolina Radiation Medicine's Cancer Treatment Center is to give each and every patient the individual attention and support that is so important and necessary.

What may be considered unconventional weapons in the war against cancer in many settings, is simply conventional at the Carolina Radiation Medicine Cancer Treatment Center.

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Your Treatment Program at Carolina Radiation Medicine Cancer Treatment Center -- Page 2

Your Treatment Program at Carolina Radiation Medicine
Cancer Treatment Center -- Page 2